Dubyak, Hall feted by Maine Development Foundation

The Maine Development Foundation has named Michael Dubyak, president and CEO of Wright Express Corp., as the organization's 2012 "Champion of Education." The organization selects five recipients of "Champion Awards" each year in various categories.

In a press release announcing Dubyak's award, MDF interim executive director Ed Cervone said that the award was based on Dubyak's work to make connections between educational institutions in Maine and businesses in the state.

Dubyak is currently chairman of Educate Maine, an organization of businesses focused on college and career readiness, and said in that release that he is focused on aligning higher education with Maine businesses and on an increasing need for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) graduates.

Dubyak sits on the University of Southern Maine Foundation's Board of Directors and has served on a number of boards and and councils in the greater Portland area and around the state.

The organization also selected the innovation-focused Eureka Ranch President Doug Hall to receive an award for "innovation and entrepreneurial capacity."

Other Champion Awards to be given by the MDF at the group's annual meeting on Sept. 21 will include awards for: health wellness and safety to the Greater Somerset Public Health Collaborative; attraction, retention and engagement of new populations – the Maine International Trade Center; Kenneth M. Curtis Leadership Award – Honorable Brenda Commander, tribal chief, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.